James McCartney @ The Open Chord

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Following the release of his second album The Blackberry Train in 2016, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James McCartney is set to tour the US in 2017.

James has built a robust international profile through tirelessly touring the UK, Europe and the US, including a sold out three show residency at The Islington in London. Having gained critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and The Daily News, James toured the US in 2016 playing 44 shows in 25 states in just over 6 weeks.

James released his first full-length album Me in 2013, describing it as an, Intimate, deeply personal, and honest album that would say, This is who I am both musically and personally. Since then, James has remained fiercely dedicated to his musical vision of melding smart hooks and feral alt-rock with the grandeur and spiritually centeredness of psychedelic music.

The Blackberry Train, engineered by Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies and PJ Harvey), is both a diverse and cohesive album with an eclectic mix of delicately crafted songs. It opens with the jangling rocker, 'Too Hard' which features Dhani Harrison on guitar and vocals and closes with the aptly named folk song 'Peace and Stillness'. The album blends indie-rock, alt-rock, feel-good music, great melodies and catchy hooks. Highlights include the rough-edged and urgently melodic Unicorn', the anthemic 'Peyote Coyote', and the soulful ballad Prayer'. One very personal song is the winsome and reflective Waterfall' which was inspired by memories of his mother.

I like the music to have elements of the avant-garde, psychedelic, and be just a little against the grain, James reveals. But in the end, it's about having as much emotion as possible for me, musically and lyrically. Its all about the music being cathartic, heartfelt and true.

Thinking ahead, James says: I just want to keep on going, keep working, and improving as a songwriter. Id love to feel that I realised my full potential both as a person, and as a songwriter. That feels like a great, fulfilling goal to shoot for. Making a lot of music, and striving for more depth artistically those are my goals.

James shows no signs of slowing down and continues to hone his craft as a songwriter, musician and performer.